Tag Archives: traditions

Jan6

Remember This One?

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Remember This One?

Who remembers their mom baking a birthday cake with a coin in it? My mom never did but I remember going to birthday parties where other moms did. As if a birthday cake in itself wasn’t exciting enough, now there was the added element of surprise. Who would find that lucky coin that symbolized good things in the year to come? Okay, so it was just a superstition, but it sure added to the fun at a birthday party.

Today, January 6th, is King’s Day here in Mexico. That is synonymous with Rosca de Reyes. And it is every bit as delicious as it looks in the photo. This amazing oval loaf of bread doesn’t contain coins. But it does have small figurines of the baby Jesus baked inside. If you are lucky enough to find one, then you bring the tamales and the atole to the celebration on February 2nd, Dia de la Candelaria. And adults are just as gleeful about this as children.

When I lived in Mazatlan, I took a cooking course where I learned to make a variety of traditional Mexican foods. And yes, Rosca was one of them. But like many other dishes I learned to cook or bake, it is far easier to buy this wonderful delicacy than to make it yourself. At this time of year bakeries are filled with Rosca. And speaking of filled, there are lots of variations. Fillings of cajeta, Nutella, cream cheese, almond paste, fruits and nuts are quite popular.

Buenelas move over. Rosca is here.

Dec29

Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year!

It’s almost December 31st, New Years Eve, which will bring 2025 to a close. January 1st will then mark the beginning of 2026. But the New Year wasn’t always celebrated on these two days.

In ancient Babylon, thousands of years ago, the vernal equinox in March marked the new year. An eleven day festival was held honoring the god Marduk. In 46 BC Julius Caesar established the Roman calendar honoring Janus, god of beginnings. January 1st was then designated as the start to the new year although many medieval Christians continued to celebrate on other dates. Then in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII established the Gregorian calendar which officially restored January 1st as New Years Day and was then adopted globally. However not all cultures recognize this date, such as those who celebrate Chinese New Year and Jews who celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

While New Years is seen as a time of reflection and renewal, traditions vary. In Denmark plates are smashed and in China firecrackers are lit. The intent is to ward off evil. In Mexico and Brazil, wearing red enhances your chances of finding love while wearing yellow is associated with money. In Mexico and Colombia, walking around the block with a suitcase suggests the likelihood of travel in the coming year. Eating Grapes is considered lucky in Mexico and Spain.

Interestingly enough, the first Times Square ball drop dates back to 1907.Other popular traditions include making resolutions and toasting in the New Year with a glass of champagne at midnight on New Years Eve. And one of the most popular traditions has become the elaborate fireworks displays worldwide.

Wherever you are in the world, and whatever way in which you choose to celebrate, best wishes for a Healthy and a Happy New Year. May 2026 bless you with love, peace and happiness.

Dec27

Boxing Day

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Boxing Day

December 26th was synonymous with Boxing Day when I lived in Canada. No, it wasn’t a day to put on the gloves and rumble about in a ring. It is a day steeped in tradition although this seems to have changed dramatically over the years.

As a child, I have treasured memories of visiting my Auntie Florence with my parents. She was a friend of my mother’s but I called her Auntie. A large tree adorned her living room resplendent with vintage ornaments including real candles and shiny tinsel. Back then those were not considered a fire hazard. A beautiful pump organ filled a wall. Auntie Florence would patiently sit beside me on a bench and man the pedals while I attacked the keyboard. Afterwards we would have tea and delightful homemade Christmas cookies. Those were magical afternoons.

As an adult, Boxing Day sales became the norm. I recall buying everything from stereo equipment to leather furniture on those days. Of course it was necessary to fight the crowds of other bargain hunters. This day was akin to Black Friday in the USA. And yes, occasionally my kids would come long and add to the chaos.

But I have other memories of my kids on Boxing Day. They were competitive bowlers in the YBC program in Canada. Boxing Day Doubles at Rossmere Lanes became the norm. I enjoyed cheering them on. If the truth be told, I preferred the tournament over department store sales.

As mentioned above, Boxing Day is a day steeped in tradition so I’ll digress to a brief history lesson. Back in 1874, England declared December 26th as a bank holiday. Servants who had to work on this day were given boxes containing gifts, bonuses or food. The church distributed alms boxes to the poor. Tradespeople were also given boxes containing gifts or money.

Boxing Day is mostly limited to the Commonwealth countries and is not well-known in the USA although Canada is a close geographical neighbor. However, there is the tradition of a Christmas bonus which seems to be quite common in companies worldwide.

I’m in Mexico now where the 26th is just an ordinary day. I went to the bank, ate breakfast at a restaurant and then went for a long walk. I spoke to friends from Washington and Winnipeg on the phone. I listened to an audiobook in English and watched a movie in Spanish on TV.

And that’s it for Boxing Day this year.

Dec23

La Nochebuena

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La Nochebuena

The poinsettia plant has long been synonymous with Christmas. Here in Mexico, these colorful red flowers grow on small trees. When I taught in Tlaquepaque years ago, one of these beautiful trees was actually growing out in the courtyard of the school. While the traditional color is red, there are many other colors now available.

In Mexico, the Aztecs used these plants for dye and medicine. Franciscan monks then used them in nativity scenes. The star shape symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, while the red color symbolizes the blood of Christ.

Although native to Mexico, this plant was named after Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Back in the 1800s, he gave many of these colorful plants as Christmas gifts to family and friends. And poinsettias have increased in popularity over the years.

Nochebuena in Mexico is also the term used for Christmas Eve. This is the time of the big celebration, when families gather together to attend a mass at church and enjoy sumptuous dinners. This differs greatly from Christmas Day celebrations in the rest of North America.

I wish all my readers a holiday season filled with love, peace, hope and joy.

Merry Christmas!

Jan2

King’s Day……Dia de Reyes

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King’s Day……Dia de Reyes

A 4.7 earthquake in San Francisco. A vehicle exploding in Las Vegas. A terrorist killing and injuring many after recklessly plowing into a crowd of revelers. And it’s only January 2nd! And that’s only in the USA! Crazy things have been happening all over the world.

Here in Aguascalientes it’s peaceful. The only loud noise was the fireworks in the sky at midnight on New Years Eve. And life is pretty much back to normal as the holidays are almost over. Yes, almost over. The kids are still out of school until after King’s Day.

King’s Day? What is that? The first thing to know is that King’s Day is celebrated on January 6th. It is also known as Three Kings Day or Epiphany.

This is a Christian holiday commemorating the day the Three Wisemen arrived to present their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. These were expensive gifts given predominantly to royalty. It also emphasizes the importance of the birth of baby Jesus.

Here in Mexico, King’s Day is known as Dia de Reyes. Traditionally, this is the day when children receive gifts and treats. Another tradition is the Rosca de Reyes, a special wreath-shaped bread adorned with fruit and nut decorations. Inside are hidden baby Jesus figurines. Whoever finds the figurine brings the tamales for the party on Candlemas, February 2.

Another tradition in Mexico is that all Christmas decorations remain on display until Dia de Reyes.

So amid all the chaos in the world today, King’s Day is definitely a much needed cause for celebration in 2025.

Dec23

Two Days

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Two Days

It’s two days after the winter solstice. It’s two days before Christmas. It’s two days before Chanukah. It’s twenty years since the first day of Chanukah fell on the same day as Christmas.

The TV in the background features Meet The Fockers. But of course I’m watching it in Spanish as I eat my breakfast. Yes I realize it’s almost two in the afternoon but I slept late this morning and lazily sipped coffee in bed until a half hour ago when my body requested food.

A quick trip to the corner tienda was quick although it was crowded. I think the whole neighborhood was there. Last minute shopping. And if you think Costco or Walmart are busy at this time of year, you need to check out this tienda. The owners had even recruited extra help for today. They also presented me with a Christmas gift — a reusable shopping bag that contained a large box of cookies.

Christmas Eve is the big celebration here in Mexico. Families go to church and have sumptuous meals together. I will be with a friend tomorrow night and will be attending a mass in a Catholic church nearby followed by dinner. It’s a tradition we have since I’ve been in Aguascalientes.

Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Enjoy whatever holiday you are celebrating with friends and loved ones.

Dec11

Pinatas 101

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Pinatas 101

When I lived in Canada, one year my son asked for a pinata at his birthday party. Back then, the only way to make one was to blow up a balloon, slather it in yucky strips of paste, let it dry, pop the balloon to fill it with candy, and then decorate it. It wasn’t until I came to Mexico that I discovered the actual history of the pinata.

There are really two sources of information here. The Spanish missionaries who arrived in Mexico got the idea from the Italians who got it from the Chinese, namely Marco Polo. He spoke of the colorful decorations shaped like animals that he saw in China. The Nahuatl tribe in Mexico decorated pots to celebrate the god of war. When these pots were broken, treasure fell to the feet of the god.

The Spanish missionaries combined the two ideas when teaching catechism. They added seven points to the pots to form a star that represented the Satan. The points represented the deadly sins of pride, avarice, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and sloth. The blindfold represents our faith in Christ and hitting the pinata with a stick represents how good can conquer evil. When the pinata breaks, instead of gifts for a pagan god, the treasure is shared among the faithful. The treasure, in the form of candy represents the temptation to seek worldly pleasures.

Pinatas aren’t only for kids. I admit I have swung at a few here in Mexico. But I enjoy watching the kids scramble for candy when the pinatas break. It’s a great tradition.

May27

Memorial Day

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Memorial Day

In the USA, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May in remembrance of those who lost their lives while in the U.S. Military. Quite frankly, I expected people to swarm the cemeteries but that just doesn’t seem to be the case. Most people don’t work and it’s a popular day for barbecues and parades. I decided that it’s time to learn more about the history of Memorial Day.

The first public ceremony held to honor soldiers killed in battle was back in 431 B.C. This took place in Greece after the Peloponnesian War.

One of the first Memorial Day events held in the USA was back in 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War was over and newly freed slaves had good reason to celebrate.

The original name was Decoration Day as soldiers’ graves were decorated with American flags and flowers. Those honored were soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

Union General John A. Logan called for May 30, 1868 to be an official day of remembrance. It didn’t signify the date of any particular battle but was to honor those who died in all wars.

In 1950 Congress passed a resolution asking the President to issue a proclamation that Americans should observe Memorial Day as a day for prayer of permanent peace.

In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and provided a three day weekend for federal employees. However it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971.

In 2000 President Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act. At 3 pm on Memorial Day Americans were asked to observe a moment of silence.

Flags are displayed at half-staff until noon. The flag is then raised to full-staff.

Another tradition is that the President place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a site honoring all who died fighting for their country. The President also delivers a speech.

That’s today’s American History lesson.

Have A Great Sunday!

Dec30

New Years Traditions In Mexico

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New Years Traditions In Mexico

Traditions around holidays vary from country to country. Here in Mexico there are a few interesting ones. And yes, I have gone along with some of them but I won’t tell you which ones. They were kind of fun and maybe you might want to try some of these. They are definitely different and I have never done any of them when in the USA or Canada at this time of the year.

Eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight is one of the most common practices I’ve found here. As the clock chimes, eating the grapes signifies that good luck lies ahead in the coming year.

Taking an empty suitcase for a walk around the block is also believed to bring good luck in the new year. When I lived in Guadalajara my neighbors did this.

Another interesting one is all about underwear. Red signifies love and passion, yellow is for prosperity and happiness, green is for wealth and well-being, and white is for hope and peace.

And then there are lentils. Eating a mouthful is sure to bring you good fortune in the coming year.

Here’s a fun one. Throw a pail of water out the window. Bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new year.

Sweeping. Sweep the old year out the door at midnight and sweep twelve coins into the house for wealth and prosperity.

Burning candles surrounded by lentils, beans, rice, other grains and cinnamon is another one. Once the candles have burned down, the waxy foods are collected and buried in the ground to ensure abundance and prosperity.

Mopping the floor with water and cinnamon before midnight in preparation for the new year means all the old stuff is gone and there’s lots of room for new beginnings.

Fireworks is one of my favorite traditions. Yes we have them in Canada and the USA. But here in Mexico not only do they light up the sky with the usual professional pyrotechnic displays, but it seems like children of all ages are roaming the streets setting off firecrackers. In one neighborhood I lived in there was actually a wheel of fireworks that shot into the crowds of people. I was amazed that no one got hurt. After all, we were standing merely inches away from this wheel.

Champagne and kissing at midnight———–you have competition!

Happy 2023! May your year be filled with Health, Peace, Love and Prosperity!

Dec18

Posada And More

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Posada And More

Today’s WordPress prompt asked about cities that I want to visit. Nope. I’m not writing about that. I’d rather write about other things today.

Friday night I went to a Posada (Christmas party) at La Bella Vita, an amazing Italian restaurant. There were eight of us from one of the local groups I belong to here in Aguascalientes. Our gift exchange was a blast! The idea was that we had to bring seven of the same item for the others in the group. So I came home with seven different gifts ranging from stainless steel chopsticks to butter cookies and everything in between. Needless to say we had a great time.

I found another English speaker in my neighborhood. Jerry is Mexican but lived in San Francisco for five years. He and his Mexican wife have a small cenaduria not too far from where I live. Their salads are amazing and so are their pastas. They make all of their food at home and bring it to the cenaduria. I have a small fridge and it is now full of healthy food.

The other night Charlotte and I went to El Centro to look at the lights. To our delight there was an amazing band playing. They were all alumni of UAA here in Aguascalientes. Their medley of Christmas music was most enjoyable and the air was festive with all the colorful lights surrounding us. Last night Carole and I went to El Centro and the entertainment included dancers and a band. The dancers weren’t all that entertaining but the band that followed was fabulous.

For the past several years I had a tradition of buying a small Christmas tree and decorating it. I would then give it to a friend when I’d head back up north in the spring. This year I decided to change things up. When I was at the tienguis the other day, I picked up some handmade Christmas decorations and these are now hanging on my walls.

Christmas is less than a week away. Here in Mexico the big celebration is La Buenanoche (Christmas Eve). December 25th is just a regular day, not a holiday. I miss the candle light services I went to back in the USA and Canada. The only time I found one here in Mexico was when I was living in Mazatlan. I intend to look for one of those on the internet this year.

My project for this week is to catch up on phone calls. I have not been good about those and I have friends back in the USA and Canada who have been complaining. With Christmas coming up fast, I need to get my act together and make those calls.

Have a great Sunday!